Sammarinese Armed Forces

The Sammarinese Armed Forces (Italian: Forze Armate Sammarinesi) are the national military forces of the Republic of San Marino. They are one of the smallest military forces in the world. Their duties include performing ceremonial tasks, patrolling borders, guarding government buildings, and helping police with serious crimes.

There is also a military Gendarmerie, which is part of San Marino's military. The military relies on both full-time soldiers and volunteers called the Corpi Militari Volontari. For protection against large outside powers, San Marino has an agreement with Italy's armed forces.

The different parts of the military, except for the historical Crossbow Corps, each have their own special badges. These include the Fortress Guard, Guard of the Council, Uniformed Militia, Military Ensemble (band), and the Gendarmerie. There is no required military service, but in special situations, people aged 16 to 55 can be called to defend the country.

Military Branches

The Crossbow Corps

The Crossbow Corps used to be very important in San Marino's army. Today, it is a ceremonial group of about 70 volunteers. It has a long history, first mentioned in 1295. The soldiers wear medieval-style uniforms, but they do not have any real military duties anymore. They mainly march in parades on special days.

The Guard of the Rock (or Fortress Guard Corps)

Uniformed Unit

The Guard of the Rock is a main part of San Marino's army. They patrol the borders and guard important buildings like the Palazzo Pubblico in San Marino City. Visitors often see them during the Changing the Guard ceremony. They wear red and green uniforms and help the police with serious crimes.

Artillery Unit

Most Guard of the Rock members are full-time soldiers, but there is a volunteer group called the Artillery Company. They only perform ceremonial duties today, like firing the cannon at the Palazzo Pubblico on special occasions.

The Guard of the Council

The Guard of the Council, also called the Guard of Nobles, was formed in 1740. Most of its members are volunteers. They wear very fancy uniforms and have ceremonial duties, like protecting important leaders during official events.

The Company of Uniformed Militia

In the past, many families in San Marino had to have some members in this group. Today, it is still part of the army, and people can join if they have lived in San Marino for at least six years. Members are trained to use weapons and help with policing. Both men and women can join, though more men are in the group.

The Military Ensemble

Main article: Band of the Sammarinese Armed Forces

The Military Ensemble is the ceremonial band of San Marino. It has about 60 musicians and plays at important state events. They wear uniforms similar to the army militia but with special decorations.

The Gendarmerie

The Gendarmerie is a police force that is part of the military. It was started in 1842 and works to protect people and keep order. They have different uniforms for summer and winter and wear special ceremonial uniforms for big events. The Gendarmerie can work with local police and sometimes asks for help from the Fortress Guard Corps.

The Municipal Police (Corpo di Polizia Civile) is not part of the armed forces, but works closely with them. They handle local policing, collecting taxes, managing traffic, and civil defence. They must work together with the Gendarmerie and the Fortress Guard Corps.

Main article: Civil Police (San Marino)

Ranks

Main article: Military ranks of San Marino